"Unbelievable support tonight, I’ve never known it that vocal. They were terrific." - Coventry City's Russell Slade

7 February 2017

Laura Hunter

Russell Slade commends the role of the fans in tonight's Checkatrade Trophy semi-final win...

The Sky Blues booked their place at Wembley on April 2nd, with goals from forward pairing Stuart Beavon and George Thomas.

The home side were put under a lot of second-half pressure, with Adebayo Akinfenwa halving the lead, but City remained resolute, as centre-half Jordan Turnbull claimed the man of the match award.

Slade reserved praise for all three forwards, while also applauding the part of the 12,000 strong fans. The manager commented: "It was a good night for us, and pleased for the lads.

"A game of two halves really, scored two in the first-half. Mixed our play up well, and a great ball from Reidy to get the second goal. We were comfortable.

"We knew that would change though, they had Akinfenwa to come on and Kashkett - they threw the kitchen sink at us in the end. It is a young back four, we had to be resolute and do our jobs.

"We rode our luck at times but credit to the boys they hung on in there, and we’ve got the job done. It was important to start with a tempo, we caused problems in the wide areas. We looked a threat going forward. First goal was key, then we built on it."

The Sky Blues will be going to the national stadium to compete in the EFL Trophy final in April, on the 30th anniversary of the club's FA Cup win in 1987.

"We need to take this in to the league programme now," Slade continued.

"Pleased for Stuart, he’s picked up a bit of an injury though. And for George, he works tirelessly for the team and it was a sweet finish. Marcus was our focal point up front. We’ll have to brush ourselves down and prepare for Saturday, I hope this gives us momentum.

"Unbelievable support tonight, I’ve never known it that vocal. They were terrific, the twelfth man tonight. Magnificent. It was great to see the fans so excited and enjoying it.